A Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo

This week was spring break and instead of taking a huge vacation, Rob and I decided to take a little trip to Nauvoo! We had such a wonderful time. Though I lived in Illinois for a few years as a kid, it had been so long since I had been to Nauvoo, I wanted to go back and experience all the changes and see the temple. Rob had never been before.


It was the PERFECT time to go. The weather was pleasant and there was hardly anyone there! There was never any wait or lines and we were the only ones on most of the little tours.

It was great to see where both of our ancestors had lived and what life was like for them. Here are some of my ancestors on display at the visitors center!




The hands on stuff was extremely fun!



And now we have our own Nauvoo brick!



We even took the tour of the Joseph Smith Mansion house and Red Brick Store which is currently owned by the Community of Christ. As many times as I wanted go inside Joseph's home the million times I came to Nauvoo as a kid, and my parents never agreed to pay the tour fee, they were wise in their decision. Unfortunately it was not worth it, and was somewhat of a disappointment compared to the rest of Nauvoo. We decided it didn't have the same spirit as the rest of the Nauvoo stuff owned by the LDS church - but my harsh judgments are a result of my extreme bias.



We enjoyed seeing Carthage Jail.



But our favorite part of the trip was the Nauvoo Temple. It is even more beautiful inside than it is on the outside. And really, is there anything better than being in the temple with the one you love in a place that has so much historical significance to not only your faith but also your ancestry?



We had such a wonderful time and can't wait for our next mini-adventure!

Home at Last

Rob is finally home. He came home Saturday morning, March 12.

For those of you who have never experienced a redeployment ceremony, here is what happens. First, they change the time of their arrival a million times the week they are to come home. The final change occurred the night before Rob came home. Then they gather all the families in this big room with bleachers. Meanwhile, the soldiers are all at another location on post in-processing and stuff.


Then we wait and wait and wait...



And then they announce the arrival of the soldiers and they all start running in!







Then there is a prayer, a few people speak for a couple minutes. And then finally, the soldiers are dismissed and can join their families.



We left right away and came home! Together at last!

Saudi Hospitality

Project for my Curriculum Development class: "Interview one or two people who are involved with curriculum planning or decision making." Then I have to analyze the interview and write a 15 page paper. BORING!

Except, the people I chose to interview are anything but boring.

Mr. and Mrs. Saudi Arabia (their real names are confidential). Mrs. Saudi Arabia is in one of my on-line classes and was more than willing to let me interview her (she has a background in education and administration in her home country).

Today was the interview and the moment I walked in the tiny apartment, I felt as if I were in a foreign country. Beautiful Arabian rugs, burning incense, Arabic calligraphy from the Qur'an on the walls, Arabian decor - it was BEAUTIFUL! I wish I had a picture.



She and her husband were the most generous hosts. Here I was asking THEM a favor and they were treating me like a princess! They served me herbal tea from Saudi Arabia, dates (which I never liked until today), and a delicious variety of Baklava (my absolute favorite dessert ever!) and sent me home with a plate full!

Learning about their culture and education system was also a treat in itself. I was thoroughly impressed and wish I had more opportunities to absorb other cultures here in Kansas. Ma'a as-salaamah!